Tag Archives: Frank Berto

I purchased this 1962 Daniel Rebour Cycle booklet from Jan Heine about 5 years ago. Back then I carried it with me whenever I took public transportation to work (TriMet) so I could peruse its French language pages and stare longingly upon its Daniel Rebour drawings at my leisure. While I have never taken a French language class, I studied Spanish extensively in my youth and was at one time fluent in that language. That made it easier to have a rudimentary comprehension of what I was engrossed in while bumping along toward downtown Portland on the bus. Eventually I realized that I didn’t want the pages of this rare vintage publication to become dog-eared, so I set the booklet aside in my special bin for special stuff not to be messed with.

I have consulted this little tome a few times since then when I needed some background information on components and bicycles produced in the early 1960’s. Recently, I dug it out because I had remembered an odd through the frame cable routing for a rear centerpull (Mafac) brake. And even more recently, I wondered if this little booklet contained any information about French Cyclo rear derailleurs. I figured probably not, as these derailleurs were becoming obsolete by the late 50’s. And, I was right about that. But, I once again was drawn into this publication, which is organized by bicycle component categories: Frames and tubing (Le Cadre); Bottom Brackets (Les Roulements); Cranksets (Le Pédalier); Chainrings (Les Plateaux); Pedals and Toe Clips (Pédales et Cale-Pieds); Wheelsets (Les Roues); Tubular Tires (Les Boyaux); Derailleurs (Les Derailleurs); Brakes (Les Friens); and the remaining chapters on saddles, handlebars, and accessories.

Sunglasses in your kit – 1962!

Mudflap with 3 point attachment.

Classic Rene Herse 3 arm crankset.

A 1961 Goeland.

Daniel Rebour’s treasured drawings are featured in a number of print publications. One of these is Frank Berto’s The Dancing Chain. I frequently consult Berto’s book for insight and guidance on setting up vintage derailleurs.

Daniel Rebour contributed significantly to our understanding of vintage bicycle components. He left a legacy that all cyclists benefit from, especially those of us committed to preserving the legacy of vintage bicycles, and we are all the better for it. I am grateful for his contribution.